The state government agency responsible for emergency management planning and oversight will hold a public forum into the 2022 flood preparation and response, with the Ipswich community having an opportunity to have their say.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the opportunity for the community to be heard and to find opportunities to enhance the preparation and emergency response.
“The Office of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) will look at the preparation and planning by the Queensland Government and relevant local government agencies, such as Ipswich City Council,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council will support this review by publishing council’s submissions regarding preparation, emergency response and communication effectiveness.
“Council is also conducting its own comprehensive review on a local level that will gather first-hand knowledge and experience of Ipswich community members impacted by the flood event.”
The forum to gather input from Ipswich residents will be held 15 June at 5pm for 5.30pm at Goodna State School. Register to attend the Goodna community forum here.
If you have been impacted by the flood or have been helping others and need emotional support, it can be accessed through Lifeline’s crisis support by calling 13 11 14.
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
A range of support and information is also available for Ipswich businesses impacted by recent rainfall and floods.
Visit Business Ipswich for information to help you get back on your feet.
Council has partnered with GIVIT to manage all offers of donated goods and services, including corporate offers of assistance, after disasters. To see what is needed or to donate, please visit GIVIT.org.au and look for the Storms and Flooding Appeal.
Members of the public can donate through www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding with 100 per cent of donated funds received by GIVIT going to affected communities.
The review will address the timing and effectiveness of emergency alerts that were issued to warn the general community of the flooding event and the effectiveness of cooperation between all agencies engaged in response operations.
Mayor Harding encouraged anyone who had experienced flooding to come along to and have their say.
“This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and experience if you have been impacted by this flood, in helping authorities understand how to improve South East Queensland’s readiness and response to natural disaster,” Mayor Harding said.
IGEM’s review team will work closely with the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Reconstruction Authority, local, State and federal agencies, and other relevant entities to assess:
- The preparation and planning by the Queensland Government and relevant local government agencies;
- The response to the weather event, including measures taken to:
- Inform the community
- Protect life
- Protect private and public property
- Manage the supply of essential services
- Manage dam operations, in particular for the Wivenhoe Dam, and associated emergency procedures, including consideration of the flood event reports prepared by referable dam owners as required by the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 and provided to the Dam Safety Regulator of Queensland
- Resourcing, overall coordination and deployment of personnel and equipment, and
- other related matters the Inspector-General Emergency Management considers relevant.
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